Plein air & Lavender Art Studios

Since 1999, Lavender Art Studios has facilitated numerous plein air art excursions across Canberra and beyond, including immersive experiences in the Snowy Mountains. Under the expert guidance of Director and Owner, Greg Devenny Mackay, students have explored the beauty of natural landscapes while developing their artistic skills. Having spent his childhood and early years in the high country, Greg possesses an intimate knowledge of the region’s weather patterns—an invaluable asset that helps students make the most of their outdoor painting sessions. His expertise ensures that each excursion is carefully planned, allowing artists to capture fleeting moments of light and atmosphere with confidence.

The practice of plein air painting has a deep-rooted history, emerging as a critical movement in 19th-century Europe, particularly with the Barbizon School and later the Impressionists, who sought to move away from rigid academic studio work. Pioneers like Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Camille Pissarro championed the method, believing that painting directly from nature allowed for a more truthful representation of light, colour, and movement. Their dedication to working en plein air led to iconic works such as Monet’s Impression, Sunrise and Renoir’s Luncheon of the Boating Party, which exemplify the immediacy and vibrancy that this approach enables. The technique was further bolstered by technological advancements, such as the invention of pre-mixed oil paint in tubes and the portable easel, which allowed artists to venture into remote landscapes and paint with greater freedom.

Lavender Art Studios carries forward this rich artistic tradition by offering meticulously planned plein air experiences that equip students with not only the practical tools, but also the theoretical understanding of the genre. The studio’s expertise in outdoor setups—providing the right materials, ensuring comfort in varied conditions, and structuring sessions to maximize natural light—creates an optimal learning environment. Whether working amidst the dramatic peaks of the Snowy Mountains or the serene vistas of Canberra’s open fields, out - door icons and beautiful settings; students gain firsthand experience in adapting to changing weather, mastering composition, and harnessing the transient beauty of the natural world in their artwork.